Governor Umo Eno kicked off his Federal Constituencies Town Hall Meeting and Empowerment Series at Abak Township Stadium, showering no fewer than 620 residents of Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency with cash grants ranging from N150,000 to N5,000,000. The initiative, designed to uplift local farmers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, saw beneficiaries leave the event beaming with hope.
Among the highlights, six recipients secured a hefty N5 million each, while 178 farmers were awarded N500,000 each through the ARISE Farmers Grant, a program aimed at boosting agriculture in the region. Another 442 individuals from various trades received grants between N150,000 and N700,000, tailored to their specific business demands. Additionally, 198 artisans—including tailors, welders, vulcanizers, and hairdressers—are set to receive equipment support to elevate their productivity and strengthen local commerce.
Governor Eno, addressing the enthusiastic crowd, emphasized the prudent use of the funds and reaffirmed his dedication to the youth. “No Governor will champion your cause as fiercely as I will,” he assured. “Roll up your sleeves, study diligently, and work tirelessly—I’ll be here to back you up. Our mission is to empower our people to thrive.”
The Governor also outlined his broader vision, pledging to bring governance closer to rural communities. “I want history to recall me as the governor who bridged the gap between rural areas and governance, ensuring they experience its essence and gain access to life’s essentials,” he said. He stressed his administration’s focus on rural upliftment, development expansion, and halting rural-urban migration by equipping citizens to “ARISE and realize their potential.”
In a forward-looking announcement that struck a chord with women, Governor Eno revealed plans to distribute 15 minibuses to female commercial drivers on March 11, a step toward empowering women in transportation.
The event was enriched with goodwill messages from key figures across the three local government areas, including Ika Chairman Utibe Nwoko (speaking for the local chairmen), Maintain Peace Movement National Chairman Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, former Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, ex-Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo, MFR, Itai Afe Annang Obong Blaise Awakama, and Prof. Nkereuwem Etukudo of the Federal Institute of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos. They lauded Eno’s impactful policies and vowed to support his 2027 reelection bid.
Expressing gratitude for the resounding endorsements, Eno said, “Your overwhelming support for my 2027 candidacy fuels my resolve. We’ll keep delivering on our mandate and return before the campaigns begin.” The Akwa Ibom State House Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, echoed this sentiment, affirming the constituency’s commitment to backing Eno for two full terms. A motion to adopt him through 2031, proposed by Hon. Mfon Idung of Etim Ekpo/Ika and seconded by Information Commissioner Hon. Aniekan Umanah, marked a high point of the day.
The event concluded with the community presenting Governor Eno with tokens of appreciation—farm produce from local women, goats, cows, and palm fruit seedlings—symbolizing their gratitude for his leadership.
